Investing your life in the things of God
The crowd was listening to everything Jesus said. And because he was nearing Jerusalem, he told them a story to correct the impression that the Kingdom of God would begin right away. He said, “A nobleman was called away to a distant empire to be crowned king and then return. Before he left, he called together ten of his servants and divided among them ten pounds of silver, saying, ‘Invest this for me while I am gone.’... “‘Yes,’ the king replied, ‘and to those who use well what they are given, even more will be given. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. Luke 19:11-13, 26
It was promised by Jesus that one day He will return. In the parable of the pounds, Jesus told His disciples that they need to be occupied until He returns. Christians should engage in the work that God called them to do and not sit idly while awaiting for His second coming. God provided His children varying gifts and opportunities that will keep them occupied. The term used in English in v. 11 from the text was the word “invest.” The Apostle Paul used the same word in Greek in 2 Timothy 2:4; “Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.” The word “affairs” is the same Greek word that was used translated in English as “invest.” The connotations of the terms provide a clear directive that God wants His children to invest in Kingdom work and not in the worldly affairs. The goal of every believer should be to please his Lord and Savior. Another implication is that while Christians are engaging in activities while awaiting for Christ’s return, the motivation is to please God. Use your involvement in your vocation as you are led by God in expanding His Kingdom. Always be aware that Christ came in this world “to seek and save those who are lost” (Luke 19:10). God’s will is that you be diligent in whatever He has called you to do until He comes. Be sure that whatever you are doing, you’re doing it not for selfish gains but for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Blessings.
